Selje Regional Pilgrim Center

Selje Regional Pilgrim Center is one of four regional pilgrimage centers along the Coastal Pilgrimage Route, and is responsible for five key sites along the Coastal Pilgrimage Route between Sognefjorden and Stad: Gulatinget, The Milestone Park in Hylletad, Kinn Church, Svanøy Manor and Selja Monastery.

The island of Selja became the first pilgrimage site in the country when Olav Tryggvason found relics in a cave on the island in the year 996. The relics, according to legend, are from the godly king's daughter Sunniva, who fled from Ireland when she was to be married off to a pagan Viking chieftain against her will. Saint Sunniva became the country's first saint, and our only female saint, after she suffered martyrdom in a cave on the island. Every year around July 8, Seljumannamessa is celebrated in memory of St. Sunniva and the Seljemenn. This is one of our oldest Christian celebrations.

Watch the 3D animation and read more about Selja monastery and saint's complex here: https://kringom.no/en/node/2699

Selja Monastery is a short boat trip from Selje Regional Pilgrim Center. The monastery boat runs twice daily in high season, and otherwise by reservation. The trip takes 2 hours, and includes a guided tour of the monastery ruins (also in English). You can buy tickets on the Monastery Boat website or directly on the boat. It may be a good idea to book tickets in advance. You can also take the local boat to Bø on the east side of Selja, and walk the old pilgrim road to the monastery ruins. The trip takes about 20 minutes. Remember good footwear. The local boat must be booked the day before. You can also get to Selja with your own boat. If you have a wet card, you can borrow a kayak for free at BUA in Selje , which you can find in the citizen square in Selje. It is open every day between 9:00 and 15:30 all year round.

In Selje vicarage you will find the regional pilgrimage centre with a pilgrim reception, pilgrim accommodation and cultural centre. Selje vicarage was established here at the end of the 16th century, and moved from the island of Selja. The buildings here date from the 16th-19th centuries, and the yard is listed. The pilgrim reception is open every day during the summer season between 15 July and 15 August, and otherwise by appointment. Here you will also find tourist information, a souvenir shop and exhibitions about Selje vicarage, Sta. Sunniva and Selja monastery. There are 12 beds for pilgrims in Selje vicarage. These can be booked all year round.

You can also rent electric bikes in Selje vicaragee. Selje church is open every day throughout the summer.

You can get a pilgrim's stamp both in Selja, in Selje presbytery, at Selje church and in the town square in Selje.